What would you give for a window into tomorrow, next month or perhaps even next year? Pinterest’s Predicts trends report is exactly that.
For marketers, this list of 21 trends (up from 20 last year, though the number does fluctuate annum-by-annum) is more than simply a list of what consumers will be pinning on their boards in the coming 12 months. It’s potentially a shortcut to growth, allowing you to hijack trends before they happen and beat your competitors to the punch.
Does that sound too good to be true? Perhaps it should. After all, the marketing world is full of spurious claims backed by shaky data. But Pinterest Predicts isn’t, and hasn’t been, for years now. And the business isn’t afraid of getting it wrong—it’s circa 80 per cent hit rate isn’t perfect, but it right far more often than it’s wrong.
“The methodology has remained the same,” Pinterest’s ANZ managing director, Melinda Petrunoff told B&T exclusively ahead of the report’s release.
“But we’ve added using generative AI as part of our research for this trends report. That has allowed us to lean into learnings around the visual search we see on Pinterest around colours, aesthetics and styles and with the billions of searches we’re able to analyse through the platform, plus some curation, is giving us the forecast for the year ahead.”
Pinterest’s trend forecasting is based on analysing the billions of signals and searches it receives on its platform. As themes begin to rise (and others commensurately fall), it can piece together themes and identify what users will be looking for in one, six and even 12 months time. And these trends apply across a range of sectors and categories, making it applicable for large swathes of the marketing industry.
“What’s really different this year is the context the report is delivered in. The trends really reflect the environment consumers find themselves in and in this world of too much information and over-stimulation, people are really taking control of their energy next year and being themselves, not just not following a fad. In the chaos of the things going on around all of us, people will be looking for escapism, to have fun and emotionally disconnect from the day-to-day. That’s different to last year.”
Last year’s Pinterest Predicts trends focused heavily on aesthetic maximalism as well as their health and escapism through travel. This year, those trends ostensibly have been turned up to 11. But there’s a greater sense of a reaction to overwhelm, too.
“Over the last couple of years, we were forecasting trends around hiking, getting out and going off road. Last year was all about staycations and things like that. I believe the trends that we’re seeing are very much influenced by the fact that people need to take stock and deal with the world around them,” added Petrunoff.
These trends are often quite similar around the world, too. What will be big in the UK and US will likely be big in Australia and New Zealand, too. Though as Petrunoff pointed out, some trends will have more cultural resonance to some audiences than others.
The Afrohemian Decor trend, for instance, will likely be more significant in the UK and US due to their larger African diaspora communities. The Darecation trend will likely be more important in Australia and New Zealand than the UK given that, simply, there’s more chance to do daring things in nature here and on the other side of the Tasman than in drizzly Britain. That said, Pinterest takes makes pains to ensure all its trends are inclusive.
So what’s on the line here for brands and marketers?
“Last year, we had the Play Time trend and Bunnings sponsored it for a period of time. They brought it into their magazine, warehouse and showing how you could use some of their products to bring the trend to life in your home,” said Petrunoff.
She continued to discuss Pickle Fix, a trend from last year that manifested in a variety of different ways including pickle-favoured margaritas and martinis, chips and even tomato sauce. Stepping up to the oche as next year’s food trend is Cabbage Crush. No longer the hearty staple of eastern European peasants, cabbage is set for a big 2026.
Cherry Coded was another that appeared everywhere last year—including the Pinterest Welcome Party at the Cairns Crocodiles extravaganza.
“We’re excited to take this out to our clients and agencies so they can start using it in brands’ creative, leverage it in their merchandising,” said Petrunoff.
“For those who are agile with their products, their ability to feature the products that are going to be on-trend gives them relevancy. Their content will be more engaging, they’re going to get more saves. They’re going to get the benefit of these trends that we know will last. And they’ve got time to plan it because we’re saying this is what’s going to be happening before it does versus what’s happening now.”
There isn’t a sequence in which the trends will emerge. Last year, Cherry Coded hit the big time in March, said Petrunoff.
“From a marketing perspective, it allows you to get into the trend early, bring it into your creative and strategy and, all of a sudden, you’re going to find yourself an audience that are engaging and leaning in,” she added.
The most exciting trend for Petrunoff? Pen Pals.
“I really like the idea that people are going to get pen pals again and this notion that writing and taking the time to be thoughtful and create. Taking the time to be thoughtful, mindful and kind to one another, that’s a quality in society I’d love to see revived.”
So what is in the offing for consumers and marketers this year? Here’s a quick rundown of the 21 trends—and they’re in no particular order, either.
- Afrohemian Decor — Home trend
- 2026 will bring a fusion of African and bohemian styles thanks to Boomers and Gen X. Searches for ‘african boho living room’ and ‘afro chic home decor’ are trending up on Pinterest, taking home spaces to Dakar and beyond. Expect colourful Nigerian textiles and Ethiopian wall art alongside handwoven baskets and natural fibre rugs.
- 2026 will bring a fusion of African and bohemian styles thanks to Boomers and Gen X. Searches for ‘african boho living room’ and ‘afro chic home decor’ are trending up on Pinterest, taking home spaces to Dakar and beyond. Expect colourful Nigerian textiles and Ethiopian wall art alongside handwoven baskets and natural fibre rugs.
- Brooched — Fashion trend
- There’s a new way to wear your heart on your sleeve. Or tie. Or socks. In 2026, Boomer and Millennial men will punctuate their fits with vintage pins, crystal clip-ons and heirloom brooches. It’s part tribute, part reinvention. If your grandma wouldn’t wear it, is it even the vibe?
- There’s a new way to wear your heart on your sleeve. Or tie. Or socks. In 2026, Boomer and Millennial men will punctuate their fits with vintage pins, crystal clip-ons and heirloom brooches. It’s part tribute, part reinvention. If your grandma wouldn’t wear it, is it even the vibe?
- Cabbage Crush — Food and drink trend
- The motto for 2026? Live, laugh, leaf! In the year ahead, Boomers and Gen X will say goodbye to their cauliflower obsession and crown cabbage the new kitchen champ. Think blistered-edge ‘steaks’, kimchi cocktails and even crispier taco wraps. It’s crunch time, baby.
- The motto for 2026? Live, laugh, leaf! In the year ahead, Boomers and Gen X will say goodbye to their cauliflower obsession and crown cabbage the new kitchen champ. Think blistered-edge ‘steaks’, kimchi cocktails and even crispier taco wraps. It’s crunch time, baby.
- Cool Blue — Cross-category trend
- Meet the shade that refuses to warm up to anyone. Gen Z and Millennials are bringing a subzero sophistication to absolutely everything in 2026—think cool-toned coats, glacier-inspired accessories and the frostiest of cocktails. It’s the temp drop we’ve all been waiting for.
- Meet the shade that refuses to warm up to anyone. Gen Z and Millennials are bringing a subzero sophistication to absolutely everything in 2026—think cool-toned coats, glacier-inspired accessories and the frostiest of cocktails. It’s the temp drop we’ve all been waiting for.
- Darecations — Travel trend
- Sitting on the beach? Snooze. In 2026, we’re travelling for the thrill of it. Gen Z and Millennials will seek out full-throttle, adrenaline-inspired tourism—think river rafting through class 5 rapids, rappelling waterfalls on canyoneering routes or timing trips around global sporting events. What’s a comfort zone?
- Sitting on the beach? Snooze. In 2026, we’re travelling for the thrill of it. Gen Z and Millennials will seek out full-throttle, adrenaline-inspired tourism—think river rafting through class 5 rapids, rappelling waterfalls on canyoneering routes or timing trips around global sporting events. What’s a comfort zone?
- Extra Celestial — Cross-category trend
- In 2026, Gen Z and Millennials are going intergalactic. Think holographic home accents, opalescent eyeshadow that looks like moon dust, and cosmic silhouettes straight out of a
sci-fi movie. The aliens have landed—and they have fabulous taste.
- In 2026, Gen Z and Millennials are going intergalactic. Think holographic home accents, opalescent eyeshadow that looks like moon dust, and cosmic silhouettes straight out of a
- Fun Haus — Home trend
- Big top, bigger personality. In 2026, circus-inspired home décor will be on the rise, think bold stripes, sculptural silhouettes and just a wink of clownish charm. The trick is balance.
Pair punch-line patterns with pared-back palettes so the space feels elevated, but oh, so out there.
- Big top, bigger personality. In 2026, circus-inspired home décor will be on the rise, think bold stripes, sculptural silhouettes and just a wink of clownish charm. The trick is balance.
- Gimme Gummy — Cross-category trend
- In 2026, we’re going full-on gummy. Gen Z and Millennials are behind this ASMR overload—picture bendy phone cases, elastic cheek tints and probiotic treats that have that spring-back bite. Expect rubberized nail art and 3D jewellery to become your new tactile obsession.
- In 2026, we’re going full-on gummy. Gen Z and Millennials are behind this ASMR overload—picture bendy phone cases, elastic cheek tints and probiotic treats that have that spring-back bite. Expect rubberized nail art and 3D jewellery to become your new tactile obsession.
- Glamoratti — Fashion trend
- The decade of decadence is back in style—and honestly, it’s about time. Tailored suits with sculpted shoulders will grow three sizes. Funnel necks will be the base of every outfit. And jewellery? Well, that’ll get chunkier, bolder and golder. Gen Z and Millennials are driving this maximalist aesthetic.
- The decade of decadence is back in style—and honestly, it’s about time. Tailored suits with sculpted shoulders will grow three sizes. Funnel necks will be the base of every outfit. And jewellery? Well, that’ll get chunkier, bolder and golder. Gen Z and Millennials are driving this maximalist aesthetic.
- Glitchy Glam — Beauty trend
- The perfect winged liner? She doesn’t go here. This year, beauty is missing the mark—on purpose. Gen Z and Millennials will rock mismatched manicures, dual-toned lipstick and bright eyeshadow in two-toned hues. So long, symmetry.
- The perfect winged liner? She doesn’t go here. This year, beauty is missing the mark—on purpose. Gen Z and Millennials will rock mismatched manicures, dual-toned lipstick and bright eyeshadow in two-toned hues. So long, symmetry.
- Khaki Coded — Fashion trend
- Dig into fashion’s newest find. This year, Gen Z and Millennials will embrace a new aesthetic inspired by wanderers of the world. Think khaki Bermuda shorts, adventure-ready
streetwear and pockets upon pockets. If your look can survive actual desert conditions, you’re doing it right.
- Dig into fashion’s newest find. This year, Gen Z and Millennials will embrace a new aesthetic inspired by wanderers of the world. Think khaki Bermuda shorts, adventure-ready
- Laced Up — Cross-category trend
- Lace sets the pace in 2026, bringing unexpected elegance to absolutely everything. Expect bomber jackets with lacy collars, softly stitched bandanas—even crocheted phone cases.
This trend is a gentle reminder that more is more: especially when it’s this gorgeous.
- Lace sets the pace in 2026, bringing unexpected elegance to absolutely everything. Expect bomber jackets with lacy collars, softly stitched bandanas—even crocheted phone cases.
- Mystic Outlands — Travel trend
- Fairytale meets fever dream in 2026’s biggest travel trend. Millennials and Boomers will seek out whimsical and mystical destinations: distant ruins swallowed in mist, naturally-
occurring spirals and moody, enchanting forests. You may find you come back with more questions than answers.
- Fairytale meets fever dream in 2026’s biggest travel trend. Millennials and Boomers will seek out whimsical and mystical destinations: distant ruins swallowed in mist, naturally-
- Neo Deco — Home trend
- The Art Deco trend is getting a modern twist: shiny, sleek and tuned to 2026. After years of heavy minimalism, this retro aesthetic is back with crisp chevrons, fan arches and other
geometric hits, all edged in chrome or brass. Bold, glam—and just a touch eccentric.
- The Art Deco trend is getting a modern twist: shiny, sleek and tuned to 2026. After years of heavy minimalism, this retro aesthetic is back with crisp chevrons, fan arches and other
- Operasthetic — Celebration trend
- Picture this: dramatic drapery, red roses, and a string quartet playing dark cabaret. In 2026, parties will become more opulent than ever as Millennials and Gen Z bring the vintage theatre aesthetic to every one of their gatherings. Cue the curtain—every detail is ready to perform.
- Picture this: dramatic drapery, red roses, and a string quartet playing dark cabaret. In 2026, parties will become more opulent than ever as Millennials and Gen Z bring the vintage theatre aesthetic to every one of their gatherings. Cue the curtain—every detail is ready to perform.
- Pen Pals — Cross-category trend
- Your inbox is about to get jealous of your letter box. Expect a letter-writing renaissance in 2026, as Gen Z and Millennials turn snail mail into authored art. Think elaborate envelopes, special stationary, and so. many. stamps. DMs, you’re dust.
- Your inbox is about to get jealous of your letter box. Expect a letter-writing renaissance in 2026, as Gen Z and Millennials turn snail mail into authored art. Think elaborate envelopes, special stationary, and so. many. stamps. DMs, you’re dust.
- Poetcore — Cross-category
- Aspiring authors, take note. In 2026, Gen Z and Millennials will channel their inner wordsmiths with oversized turtlenecks, vintage blazers and messenger bags. Oh, and don’t forget the fountain pen.
- Aspiring authors, take note. In 2026, Gen Z and Millennials will channel their inner wordsmiths with oversized turtlenecks, vintage blazers and messenger bags. Oh, and don’t forget the fountain pen.
- Scent Stacking — Beauty trend
- Shake up your signature scent. Gen Z and Millennials are ditching one-and-done scents for bespoke notes, blending oils and perfumes to craft their very own fragrance formulas. Expect luxury to linger in layers next year.
- Shake up your signature scent. Gen Z and Millennials are ditching one-and-done scents for bespoke notes, blending oils and perfumes to craft their very own fragrance formulas. Expect luxury to linger in layers next year.
- Throwback Kid — Cross-category trend
- In 2026, childhood gets a throwback twist with vintage-inspired outfits, classic toys from the ’60s and upcycled baby looks. Crocheted play mats will bring cosy vibes to any nursery, while Baby Boomers and Gen X will thrift mini ’fits. Let’s go back in (play)time.
- In 2026, childhood gets a throwback twist with vintage-inspired outfits, classic toys from the ’60s and upcycled baby looks. Crocheted play mats will bring cosy vibes to any nursery, while Baby Boomers and Gen X will thrift mini ’fits. Let’s go back in (play)time.
- Vamp Romantic — Beauty trend
- Beauty bites back with this 2026 trend. Millennials and Gen Z will go all in on after-dark aesthetics, embracing jet black nails, romantic goth hairstyles and a smudged smokey eye—all with a touch of glossy glamour. Who says you can’t be haunting and heartbreaking?
- Beauty bites back with this 2026 trend. Millennials and Gen Z will go all in on after-dark aesthetics, embracing jet black nails, romantic goth hairstyles and a smudged smokey eye—all with a touch of glossy glamour. Who says you can’t be haunting and heartbreaking?
- Wilderkind — Cross-category trend
- A trend that whispers instead of roars. In 2026, Gen Z and Boomers will go all in on animal aesthetics—but with a delicate touch. Think soft fawn freckles, butterfly wing nail art and fox-inspired outfits that hint at forest magic.
- A trend that whispers instead of roars. In 2026, Gen Z and Boomers will go all in on animal aesthetics—but with a delicate touch. Think soft fawn freckles, butterfly wing nail art and fox-inspired outfits that hint at forest magic.
